Based on the true life experiences of poet Jimmy Santiago Baca, the film focuses on step-brothers Paco and Cruz, and their bi-racial cousin Miklo. It opens in 1972, as the three are members...
See full summary »
Based on the true life experiences of poet Jimmy Santiago Baca, the film focuses on step-brothers Paco and Cruz, and their bi-racial cousin Miklo. It opens in 1972, as the three are members of an East L.A. gang known as the "Vatos Locos", and the story focuses on how a violent crime and the influence of narcotics alter their lives. Miklo is incarcerated and sent to San Quentin, where he makes a "home" for himself. Cruz becomes an exceptional artist, but a heroin addiction overcomes him with tragic results. Paco becomes a cop and an enemy to his "carnal", Miklo.
Paulo Tocha was once in a gang himself, he turned his life around to become a professional muy Thai fighter. See more »
Goofs
The grenades that Smokey throws into club are standard issue military grenades. They don't have enough power to obliterate a whole building or start a fire as seen in the movie. See more »
Quotes
Rollie McCann:
Let's go, out of the car!
Popeye:
Careful, careful we are tax payers, Officer McCann.
Paco:
Turn around!
Rollie McCann:
[Talking to Smokey and Apache]
You two, out of the car!
Popeye:
[Looks at Paco's hand]
Orale, that's a nice placa you got there, ese. You should be riding with me, not fucking with me, carnal.
Paco:
[Pushes Popeye]
Hey don't you call me carnal, you piece of shit I'm not your brother, these comebacks of few are killing of our kids.
Popeye:
You should get some clothes on officer before you get arrested for indecent exposure, what ...
[...] See more »
Crazy Credits
During the end credits we see helicopter shots of Los Angeles. The movie ends with shots of the big tree (pina). See more »
Alternate Versions
The American Directors Cut DVD contains the following scenes:
There is an added scene between the one where Paco argues with his stepfather and the one where they get hassled by the cop. In it we see the guys driving and recalling moments in their childhood, smoking what seems to be joint and they get Miklo to do a " baby on acid face"
The scene where Cruz receives his scholarship is extended: He gives a speech and talks about his real mom who couldn't be there to see him receive his prize.
The scene where Popeye shows Miklo around is longer and contains more dialogue, including a death row inmate being escorted.
The art show scene is extended, Cruz and his buddies return high on drugs and his manager plays it off as part of the show.
There is an added scene before the one where Popeye takes his parole picture. In it Miklo and Popeye strike a deal: Miklo will erase Popeye's debt to La Onda in return Popeye will cast a vote for him in the council.
There is an added scene where Popeye stabs Smokey during a phony deal. It explains why Smokey is bleeding when he calls Paco and the blood on his shirt in the church.
After Montana is stabbed by Wallace, the prison riot sequence is longer with a cut scene containing more dialogue with the Onda council.
The final prison riot scene where Bonafide (the Black Guerilla Family leader) is murdered is more graphic where he is impaled.
Cafe
Written by Arcalio Garcia, Pablo Tellez and Jorge Santana
Performed by Malo
Courtesy of Warner Bros. Records Inc.
By Arrangement with Warner Special Products See more »
I've seen this movie about twenty times and would gladly watch it again anytime.Literally.Damian Chapa has been robbed of any real recognition for what I think is one of the best performances ever to be put on film.Miklo rules.I've never seen the extended laserdisc,but I'm sure it kicks even more ass. This movie will survive the test of time.
75 of 108 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
| Report this
I've seen this movie about twenty times and would gladly watch it again anytime.Literally.Damian Chapa has been robbed of any real recognition for what I think is one of the best performances ever to be put on film.Miklo rules.I've never seen the extended laserdisc,but I'm sure it kicks even more ass. This movie will survive the test of time.